Powerpoint - February 18, 2016

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Every so often when I preach about the necessity of unity in the church, people get confused and think I’m preaching about uniformity. But there’s a big difference between the two. You can tie a dog’s tail together with a cat’s, and you have uniformity. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have unity.

So when churches get different people together and try to force everyone into the same mold, they can often end up in a situation where, with good motives, they’re trying to bring about unity by creating uniformity. They make everyone do the same thing, but no one is really fulfilled in the end.

That’s because God hasn’t called the church to be a disciple “assembly line” where every follower of Christ looks the same. Instead, He has allowed the body of Christ to be multi-faceted where each believer uses the gifts he or she has been given for the glory of God. That’s unity!

So when you feel forced into the mold of what a “good Christian” looks like, remember to keep the main thing the main thing. Put your relationship with Christ first, and allow Him to express His life through you, however He’s created you!

CHOOSE UNITY OVER UNIFORMITY BY FULFILLING THE MINISTRY GOD HAS GIFTED YOU FOR.

Pastor Jack Graham wants to help you experience greater peace, fulfillment, and joy, by sending you a revised copy of his book, Lessons from the Heart. It’s our gift to thank you for your donation today!